Experienced Pasco County caterer Vickie West has opened a cake shop in Dade City.
Owner of Celebrate Catering, West's new endeavor, Betty Cakes Cake Shop at 37941 Meridian Ave. celebrated its opening on July 15. Betty Cakes -- a shop full of tasty treats such as cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies and cake pops -- was a concept thought up by West's friend of 18 years, Betty Williamson. Williamson currently owns and runs Betty Cakes Cafe in Ocala at 1915 E. Silver Springs Blvd.
"Betty and I have been talking for years about working together. Since I've been catering in the Tampa Bay area for 18 years, and kind of have a reputation for food, it seemed like a natural fit to open a shop," says West. "We are working on the idea of a franchise or license arrangement, making this Betty Cakes just like the one in Ocala."
Funds for the shop came out of pocket from West and her husband, David, while the opening of the shop brings about a few new jobs -- West plans to employ several people to decorate and bake at the Dade City location, formerly the site of restaurant Trixie Dixie's Kitchen.
"We are excited to be in downtown Dade City -- a destination for people who enjoy the cozy, small town feel of the downtown Main Street area," says West. "All of the buildings in the area are looking fabulous and, with several new businesses opening up, everyone is excited about the future; we think it's is a really friendly place. Some of the merchants have even been promoting my shop to their customers -- hopefully this will bring people right to my doorstep."
Betty Cakes will have a grand opening once school is back in session and residents settle down after the summer. Visit the Betty Cakes Cake Shop website and Facebook for updates.
Writer: Alexis Quinn Chamberlain
Source: Vickie West, Betty Cakes Cake Shop
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.